IEC 60502 Cable
International Standard IEC 60502 from the International Electrotechnical Commission sets out the specification for power cables with extruded insulation with a voltage rating of 1kV to 30kV.
This commonly referenced cable standard covers both the cable itself and the accessories. The cables must have an extruded solid insulation and may contain longitudinal water-blocking properties such as swellable tapes and powders if the installation conditions demand it.
IEC 60502 Cable Scope - IEC 60502-1 and IEC 60502-2
Many of the cables manufactured in accordance with IEC 60502 are designed for local power distribution, and for power and auxiliary controls. Where additional mechanical protection is provided, the cables are suitable for installation in masonry and concrete. The water-blocking properties are important to prevent water ingress when used in wet conditions.
This Standard is divided into the following parts:
Parts | Voltage Rating |
---|---|
1 | 1kV to 3kV |
2 | 6kV to 30kV |
3 | Reserved for future development |
4 | Test requirements on accessories for cables with a voltage rating from 6kV to 30kV |
IEC 60502-1 Cable
IEC 60502-1 Systems categories
Categories | Operating conditions |
---|---|
A | Systems in which any phase conductor that comes in contact with earth or an earth conductor is disconnected from the system within 1 minute |
B | Systems which, under fault conditions, are operated for a short time with one phase earthed (not exceeding 8hrs on any occasion and no more than 125hrs per annum) |
C | All systems which do not fall into category A or B |
IEC 60502-1 Cable properties
Insulated compounds |
---|
Thermoplastic - intended for cables with voltage rating smaller or equal to 3kV |
Polyvinly Chloride (PVC) |
Thermosetting |
Ethylene Propylene Rubber or similar (EPR or EPDM) |
High modulus or hard grade ethylene propylene rubber (HEPR) |
Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE) |
Sheathing compounds |
---|
Thermoplastic |
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
Polyethylene (PE) |
Halogen-Free |
Elastomeric |
Polychloroprene |
Chlorosulphonated polyethylene |
Polymers similar to above |
Conductors |
---|
Class 1 or Class 2 |
Plain |
Metal-coated annealed copper |
Plain aluminium |
Aluminium alloy |
Class 5 |
Plain |
Metal-coated copper according to IEC 60228 |
Some cables meeting the requirements of IEC 60502 benefit from armoured layers, making them able to withstand a higher degree of mechanical stress than comparative sized unarmoured cables. Various types of armour are specified, such as concentric copper wire screens and/or helically wound copper tape as required in the N2XCH cable.
IEC 60502-2 Cable
International power cables
IEC 60502 Cable
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